The ballot draw will take place this afternoon, and the candidates will use the next month to outline their visions as inaugural Snowy Monaro Regional councillors.

When we head to the polls on Saturday, September 9, please ensure your vote counts and you have your say in the Snowy Monaro’s future.

Over the course of the last week, I’ve had the pleasure of catching up with the region’s Chambers of Commerce and Progress Associations. It’s been great to touch base and see how these vital community organisations are traveling.

We’ve discussed the delivery of the Stronger Communities Fund - Major Projects Program. The aim is to deliver these 100 projects by June 2019. Over the coming months you’ll notice plenty of work starting to happen. We’ve got a great team ready to see these come to fruition.

A reminder that on Thursday night there is a community meeting for Land Rover’s 70th anniversary celebrations in Cooma next Easter. If you’re a Land Rover lover, or simply want to be part of an exciting event that will bring thousands to the region, head along to Cooma’s Alpine Hotel at 6pm this Thursday.

Part of our region’s appeal is its ability to host big events. This is seen right across the region; from the busking championships in Cooma, the Lake Light Sculpture in Jindabyne and the bike show in Bombala. There are of course many more events that attract thousands of people to the region, and in the years to come the number of these events will only grow.

For those who know me, they’d be aware that I love my footy. After a lengthy involvement with the Cooma Stallions as a player/coach and with Group 16 rugby league as its president, I’ve enjoyed watching the success of the ‘mountain men’ this season.

On Sunday, there were hundreds at the Cooma Showground to watch the Cooma Stallions defeat the Bombala Blue Heelers. These sides have been the standouts in the first grade competition this season. Cooma is through to the grand final, and here’s hoping Bombala can win this weekend to have an all Monaro grand final.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council Administrator, Dean Lynch